Willow R. of Charlotte, NC writes:
We use 4" throw mats under our modified balance beams to help pre-schoolers feel more secure. We teach them not to fall off, but to jump off the beams. The 4" throw mats make it fun and secure to jump off the beams. If they do happen to fall, the mats keep them much safer. We also use 4" throw mats under our trapeze swings. The children love swinging from our trapezoid on the trapeze swing and dropping onto the throw mat. We try to have them practice landing on two feet, but they love dropping onto the thick mat so much, that sometimes it's hard to keep them from landing on their bottoms on purpose! We also have throw mats against our walls for extra thick padding. We love our throw mats!
Jennifer G. of Tracy, CA writes:
We use them for "strong arm walks" Feet are on the mat, hands are on the floor and the student uses their arms and feet to walk from one end to the other. Finish with a big muscle man arm pose.
Robin J. of Cedar Rapids, IA writes:
Millions of ways! One fun way is when teaching a sole circle position, put under a bar just a few inches off the floor and have them stand on it and fall to their seat on the 4" mat.
Laurie H. of North Syracuse, NY writes:
They can be used for naps. They can be used to help teach forward and backward rolls I use them as “ponds” - I have green number circles randomly spread around the mat as lily pads - and have my preschool “frogs” frog leap from pad to pad trying to go numerically in order.
Lynne K. of Moscow, ID writes:
Throw it over a bar and it becomes a mountain to climb. Throw it over the P bars and it becomes a cave. Throw it over a beam and it becomes a sticky mud on a log over a river!
Patty M. of Wahpeton, ND writes:
We use 4" Throw mats for Timbers (falling backwards like a tree), dive rolls, learning puppy drops on the trampoline, learning handstand rolls, and more. We use them a lot when they are learning new skills to have the landings be softer and safer. We also use the 4' Throw mats for more fun things like making slides, mountains, caves. We put them over octagons, beams, traps, etc. The kids have blast with them.
Leslie P. of Wapakoneta, OH writes:
4" throw mats can be used in many different ways for Preschoolers. -they can be used at the end of a low beam for dismounts -under a preschool bar -with springboard for vaulting drills -up against a wall for handstand drills -for new tumbling skills for preschoolers to gain confidence with the extra padding. I like to let my preschoolers try handstand front rolls and front limbers on their own and this mat gives me and the student the confidence to begin to perform that skill by themselves.
David C. of Crestview Hills, KY writes:
We put a 5 x 10 throw mat in a deep foam pit as part of an obstacle course. Students race through the various stations then try to make it through the "moon walk" without falling down. This station appears to be very good for balance, basic coordination and core body control.
The Winner !!!!! Alice J. of Antigo, WI writes:
We use these mats all the time, from extra matting anywhere. However my favorite is called "Big Turtle", which is not only fun, but teaches teamwork & cooperation. Have 4 - 6 preschoolers line up on the floor side by side on their hand & knees, place the 4" throw mat on top of them like a turtle shell. The students then crawl as a unit & there you have the big turtle! You will need to help the shell stay on top as parts of the turtle usually try to escape!
Dawn of Empire Gymnastics writes:
We sometimes use our 4" throw mats for preschoolers, as a transportation system. We have the small group of toddlers sit like pretzels, then the coach pulls them to their next event. The kids LOVE IT!!
Hope of Claymont, DE writes:
The 4" throw mat is great for preschoolers to land on as they are dismounting off the Air Trak--we love them.
Chauncy H. of Bixby, OK writes:
We use them for back drops and stomach drops for trampoline. Also for cartwheels, round offs and backhand springs.
Laureen of West Palm Beach, FL writes:
We utilize them for our vault forward roll practice. Vault Jump on spring board to mat. In our relay races for forward rolls; log rolls; jumps (5x) then run. In games as a safe zone when playing natural disaster. We also utilize it as a drawing board with chalk to have the kids draw a position L=pike; Y=straddle, etc.-the kids love this one....
Emily K. of Hinckley, OH writes:
We use our 4" throws to make a "pirate ship" scene. We set up blocks next to rope. We call the blocks the pirate ship. We use the blue throw to create water, and another to create land. We have the kids jump and swing off the blocks over the water to the safety of land. The kids love it!!!!
Morris A. of Avondale, AZ writes:
This is more for fun, but I sometimes use my X-Mat and fold it over them and call them "Totco" (Like Taco), Then I use the 4" mat, have them all lay down on it and fold it over the top of them. Because it is a bigger taco shell I call it our Chalupa. I know it's not good on the mat, but it is fun.
Dale C. of Hoover, AL writes:
Place 6" foam blocks under the mat every few feet and tell them it is like the moon. Pick up your feet high and learn to balance better.
